The Gainey family was among the first to recognize the Sta. Rita Hills as uniquely suited to classic, cool-climate varietals. For 20 years, they had sourced their fruit from all parts of Santa Barbara County, but this area always stood out: Sta. Rita Hills produced the best fruit every year. In the early 1990s, the Gaineys began searching for suitable vineyard land in the region.  The 120-acre Evan’s Ranch, named for Dan Gainey’s great-grandfather, is the result, with 47 acres under vine—11 different Chardonnay clones, 10 clones of Pinot Noir (primarily high-density plantings) and four clones of Syrah. Dan Gainey worked with other growers to obtain federal approval for the new Sta. Rita Hills appellation in 2001.

Gainey Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008 Tasting Notes

"Made in a fruit-forward style, the wine’s bountiful cranberry, strawberry, pomegranate and black cherry aromas carry delightful hints of red licorice, rose hips tea and white pepper. The supple, deeply concentrated palate doubles down with rich cherry pit, blackberry and black cherry flavors that mingle nicely in the long, zesty finish with tea-leaf spice, light pepper and refreshing mineral tones. Roasted game hen, grilled herbed chicken, roast duck in a light cherry sauce and black olive pizza make perfect partners for this pretty, polished Pinot, which will develop beautifully in bottle for another two to three years." - Winemaker Notes

Gainey Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008 Pairings

Enjoy this delectable Pinot Noir now and over the next two to three years with roasted game birds, lamb dishes and lightly sauced pastas.